The Code Offers Three Different Puberty EducationWorkshops....

Workshops for Children:

These drop-off workshops are safe, supportive, yet radical spaces in which preadolescents and young adolescents will come together to learn about their bodies, sexuality and menstruation. Much different than the puberty and sex education given in schools and in opposition to the messages our youth receive about sex and their bodies from popular media, we empower our youth to think about their bodies with true ownership, expertise and wondrous curiosity. We also emphasize respect for each other's bodies and discuss the meanings of consent. This workshop will specifically educate both male and female bodied children on the mechanics and meaning of menstruation while actively working against the mainstream shame, fear and avoidance of this important biological process. We will also be discussing body changes in both female and male bodied people during puberty with a special attention to bodily pride, power and agency. The feelings of sexual awakenings covering all preferences, sex and birth control will also be discussed in depth. The tone of this workshop will be honest, frank, sensitive and supportive and the material involved will be tailored to be developmentally appropriate for people on the verge of adolescence who are or will be able to menstruate or impregnate others. The goal of this workshop is to have our young emerge with real knowledge about their bodies, other people's bodies and their sensations so that they may have the tools to deal with false messages, meanings and unwanted actions the world may try to place on them. It will be a fun, safe and inspiring space in which to deal with the subjects it is often hardest for pre/adolescents to freely discuss. All of our workshop are LGBTQ positive, pro-choice oriented and sex positive.

We passionately believe that when children are armed with factual information prior to experiencing puberty they will be able to articulate this chaotic time within themselves and will feel more empowered, in control and confident with their growing and changing body, as well as their role and responsibility in the world as a sexually developed being.

Girl Code

Girl Code is a workshop designed especially for young people who will experience the world in a menstruating body. Topics covered will be:

The mechanics and properly termed parts of the female reproductive system

The mechanics and meaning of menstruation

The specifics of menstruation management

How to track your menstrual cycle

The mechanics of reproduction and the role of sexual intercourse in this process

Breast development and body hair growth

The emergence of sexual feelings or urges

How to make informed choices regarding one's own body

The mechanics and properly termed parts of the male anatomy

The puberty process for male bodies, including the sexual feelings and urges of boys in puberty

Birth control

Body image

How and when to talk to parents and other trusted adults about difficult issues

Boy Code

The Boy Code is a workshop designed especially for young people who will experience the world in a body with a penis. Topics covered will include:

The mechanics and properly termed parts of the male anatomy

Specific changes to the penis and scrotum during puberty

Other changes in puberty, including voice changing and body hair growth

Wet dreams

Masturbation/ejaculation

Pornography and sexualized images of girls and women: how to process them and reality vs. fantasy

Respect for women and their bodies

The mechanics of reproduction and the role of sexual intercourse in that process

Consent, sexual harrassment and the male role in birth control

The mechanics and properly termed parts of the female body

The mechanics and meaning of menstruation

How girls manage their menstruation

Body image and masculinity

How and when to talk to parents or other trusted adults about difficult issues

Workshops adults:

Our parent workshops equip parents, guardians and other involved adults with the confidence and language to support both male and female children through the confusing process of puberty in a sex-positive, feminist and celebratory way. Kid Code lets adults in on what their children have learned in their Code classes, which allows them to be prepared supporters through this new stage of their children's lifecycle. When children feel that adults are comfortable and confident about bodily and sexual matters there is less reason for them to be anxious, secretive or scared. Making The Code a family affair sends children the message that you are their ally.

Kid Code

The Kid Code is a workshop especially designed for parents and guardians (or any interested adult who works with or cares for preadolescents) of preadolescents or young adolescents. Topics covered will include:

Teachings and review of all of the topics listed above for both Girl Code and Boy Code

How to emotionally support your child through puberty

How to approach and talk to your child about bodily changes

How to discuss sex and sexuality with your child

When to be concerned about your child's development or reaction to puberty

How have your children not be a contributor to rape culture

How to empower your children to have bodily integrity and pride

This workshop will allow ample time for sharing, support, questions and discussions customized to participants specific concerns.